[moe]

So, as my question also gets downvoted I can only guess I touched a sore point anyhow. Too bad none of the downvoters feels obliged to explain how such salaries are justified. Especially in a company that is currently writing off in the billions.

[byrneseyeview]

I didn't downvote you, but given that Tom is a name and profile recognized by millions of people, the fact that he's paid such a small amount to stick around is surprising. Other than that, NWS is a private company. If you think they're overpaying people, short the stock, bank your profits, and use that as proof that you know more than Rupert Murdoch about how to run a media company.

[moe]

Well, thanks for at least providing some insight into that mindset.

The "small amount" part (wrt 500k annual) is what I just don't get into my head. I doubt that millions of people care about Tom. I doubt that myspace would lose upwards of 500k per year if he went away. But you are ofcourse right, I am not Rupert Murdoch and my observation that myspace is tanking is merely from the frog perspective.